ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Jal Shakti
People’s participation made the Swachh Bharat Missionthe world’s largest behavior change programme: President Ram Nath Kovind
President confers awards for excellence in Swachhata initiatives
At the Swachh Mahotsav event in New Delhi today, The President Ramnath Kovind today complimented the Swachh Bharat Mission  for inspiring historic behavior change in the country and putting forth a model for the world to replicate. He also gave away a set of Swachh Bharat awards. More than 1300 swachhata champions including school children, NCC cadets, volunteers from NSS and NYKS, swachhagrahies, sarpanches, representatives from States and UTs, central government ministries and media persons participated in the grand event.
President Kovind congratulated the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation , Ministry of Jal Shakti for their relentless efforts during the past 5 years in inspiring behavior change at the grassroots under the SBM. He said that it was a matter of pride that under the SBM, our nation is all set to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals of sanitation for all by 2019 itself.
The President felicitated swachhata champions in different categories. Prominent awardees were Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Temple for Swachh Iconic Places, Department of Defense for Swachhata Pakhwada, Ministry of Railways for Swachhata Action Plan, Village Baghori, Uttarkashi is for the Ganga Gram, Sikkim and Gujarat for ODF Plus communicationsfor behavior change,and the Power Grid Corporation for its contribution to the Swachh Bharat Kosh. For the Swachh Bharat Summer Internship, the first prize was given to Ranjitha S for NCC, Bharatiya Shaheed Sainik School, Nainital for NSS, and Vision Youth Association, Anantapuramu for NYKS.
For Speaking on the occasion, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister Jal Shakti said, “SBM has not only been a behavior change programme, but it has also been a leadership-building movement, where we wanted people at the grassroots level to emerge as leaders in Swachhata." Shri Rattan Lal Kataria, Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Social Justice & Empowerment, said, “Gifting an ODF India and fulfilling Gandhi Ji's dream of a Swachh Bharat is the biggest tribute we can give to our beloved Bapu on his 150th birth anniversary. Shri Parameswaran Iyer, Secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitationwelcomed all the attendees from across the country and congratulated them for making the SBM the largest Jan Andolan in the world.
Various other awardees in several categories including Swachh Railway Station, Swachh Petrol Pump, Swachh Highway and others were felicitated by the Minister Jal Shakti, who urged them to continue working for the sustainability of the ODF, solid and liquid waste management and water conservation.
Ministry of Railways
Shri Sanjay Kumar Mohanty takes over the charge of new Member  Railway Board, Ministry of Railways
Shri Sanjay Kumar Mohanty has taken over the charge of new Member  Railway Board  and Ex. Officio Secretary to the Government of India today i.e. 01/05/2021. Shri Mohanty was General Manager, South Eastern Railway prior to his elevation to the post of Railway Board Member.
Shri Sanjay Kumar Mohanty is an Alumnus of the Delhi School of Economics and belongs to the 1984 batch of Indian Railways Traffic Service . Shri Mohanty worked in various important posts in Indian Railways viz. Principal Executive Director /Railway Board, Senior Deputy General Manager & Chief Vigilance Officer in East Coast Railway, Divisional Railway Manager in Khurda Road Division etc.
Shri Mohanty also worked with distinction in various senior capacities at Mumbai, Nagpur, Jhansi and in Konkan Railway, where he was well-known as the System Builder for various innovations in administration and train operations. His contribution in rail transportation over Indian Railways is noteworthy, vast and varied.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
India to play a lead role in rebuilding economy in Post-COVID era: Dr Jitendra Singh
Union Minister of State , Development of North Eastern Region , MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said that India will play a lead role in rebuilding economy in the post COVID era. Addressing the Global R&D Summit-2020, organized by FICCI and Department of Science & Technology, he said that the way Scientific Community in India rose to the challenge of the pandemic is a testimony to this.
Speaking on the topic of ‘Building Resilient Economy”, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that Government’s continuous focus on Innovation and Skilling will go a long way in the holistic development of the country. Dwelling on the importance of harnessing of Space Technology for greater common good, the Minister said that though India was a late starter in the space journey, in the last 4-5 years, space technology has become part of infrastructure building and promotion and its benefits have reached every household.
Referring to some of the path-breaking historic reforms in the Department of Space under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh said, possibly for the first time in the history of Independent India, future projects for planetary exploration, outer space travel etc. will be open for the private sector. This, he said, is also a part of the Modi government's “AtmaNirbhar” roadmap towards self-reliant India, which envisages the initiative to boost private sector participation in Space activities. He said, private companies will be provided a level playing field in satellite launches and space based activities.
The Minister said that with the creation of Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre , there will be a mechanism in place and the private sector will be allowed to use ISRO’s facilities and other relevant assets to improve their capacities.
Expressing confidence that North East India will take a big leap in post COVID era both in the economic and tourism sector, Dr Jitendra Singh said when main tourist spots of the World still remain infested with Corona, the N-E region could emerge as tourist destination of the world by remaining Corona-free virtually. Similarly, he said that huge Bamboo resources in the NE and its multi-dimensional usage has a great potential to reshape the economy of the region. In this regard, he referred to the amendment in the 100-year-old Indian Forest Act brought about by the Modi government in 2017, as a result of which, home grown bamboo has been exempted from it in order to enhance livelihood opportunities through bamboo.
C.P.Gurnani, CEO and MD of Tech Mahindra and Gopal Vittal, CEO of Airtel also addressed the session and endorsed the Hon’ble Minister’s idea of collaboration between Government and the Private Sector for making India a leader in Space Technology and Space Communications.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also launched the FICCI publication on “Science Meets Industry” on the occasion.
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SNC
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Ministry of Power
Cabinet approves the Scheme titled Viability Gap Funding for development of Battery Energy Storage Systems 
Government Unveils BESS Scheme to Energize the Nation for a Brighter Tomorrow
BESS projects of total 4,000 MWh to be developed by 2030-31 under the Scheme through competitive bidding
Scheme to reduce the cost of storage for distribution companies and consumers
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon'ble Prime Minister approves the Scheme for Viability Gap Funding  for development of Battery Energy Storage Systems . The approved scheme envisages development of 4,000 MWh of BESS projects by 2030-31, with a financial support of up to 40% of the capital cost as budgetary support in the form of Viability Gap Funding . A watershed moment in the long list of pro-environment measures taken by the Government, the move is expected to bring down the cost of battery storage systems increasing their viability.
Designed to harness the potential of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, the scheme aims to provide clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to the citizens. The VGF for development of BESS Scheme, with an initial outlay of Rs.9,400 crore, including a budgetary support of Rs.3,760 crore, signifies the government's commitment to sustainable energy solutions. By offering VGF support, the scheme targets achieving a Levelized Cost of Storage  ranging from Rs. 5.50-6.60 per kilowatt-hour , making stored renewable energy a viable option for managing peak power demand across the country. The VGF shall be disbursed in five tranches linked with the various stages of implementation of BESS projects.
To ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the consumers, a minimum of 85% of the BESS project capacity will be made available to Distribution Companies . This will not only enhance the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid but also minimize wastage while optimizing the utilization of transmission networks. Consequently, this will reduce the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
The selection of BESS developers for VGF grants will be carried out through a transparent competitive bidding process, promoting a level playing field for both public and private sector entities. This approach will foster healthy competition and encourage the growth of a robust ecosystem for BESS, attracting significant investments and generating opportunities for associated industries.
The Government of India remains committed to promoting clean and green energy solutions, and the BESS Scheme is a significant step towards achieving this vision. By harnessing the power of renewable energy and encouraging the adoption of battery storage, the government aims to create a brighter and greener future for all citizen
Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways registers growth in Automobile Traffic
More than tenfold increase in share in ‘domestic transportation of small passenger vehicles’ during last 8 years
Railways, being a cleaner mode of transportation, not only helps automobile industry to quickly transport bulk volumes over long distances, but also gives opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint. Automobile traffic over Indian Railways has witnessed a tremendous growth during the recent past. This growth in automobile traffic has been the result of various initiatives viz. availability of specialized privately owned wagons. On the basis of the issues raised by the stakeholders in the automobile industry, including Society for Indian Automobiles Manufactures , the Automobile Freight Train Operator  policy has been liberalized from time to time. It allows automobile manufacturers to own their wagons specialized for their needs.
To accommodate SUV cars, new design of auto-carrier wagons is under finalization in RDSO in addition to existing BCACBM wagons.
To facilitate loading /unloading of automobiles, design-modification to the existing NMG wagons is also under execution  based on the suggestions received from investors/logistics providers.
Also, for increasing short lead traffic, freight rate has been revised for NMG/BCCNR and BCACM wagons upto -1200 km. More terminals are being opened up for automobile traffic as per demands of the industry.
Presently, Indian Railway has a fleet of 90 NMG rakes. In addition, 43 BCACBM rakes have been inducted by approved Train Operators under AFTO scheme.
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Number of rakes loaded
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2019-20
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1,599
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2020-21
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2,681
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2021-22
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3,344
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2022-23 
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2,206
Comparison with last year:
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Number of rakes loaded
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2021-22
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2022-23
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April
|
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270
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369
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May
|
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123
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392
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June
|
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284
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443
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July
|
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317
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494
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August
|
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320
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|
508
Therefore, volume of transportation of small passenger vehicles by railways has increased by 68% YoY during the first five months of the current FY.
Modal share in ‘domestic’ transportation of ‘passenger vehicles ’:
2013-14: 1.50%
2014-15: 2.08%
2015-16: 3.62%
2016-17: 4.13%
2017-18: 4.50%
2018-19: 7.06%
2019-20: 11.17%
2020-21: 14.71%
2021-22: 16.00%These are estimates based on transportation of cars only. Domestic traffic of 2-wheelers and commercial vehicles have not been taken into account.
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Swachh District: Karnataka's clean canvas
The sole aim of the Swachh Bharat Mission is to make a visibly clean India through realizing the aspiration of creating garbage-free cities. While it is necessary to find innovative ways to deal with garbage, its safe disposal, effective waste management, creating wealth out of waste and more, it is also required to strike the right balance and harmony with the environment and natural heritage while we walk our way in the journey of swachhata.Uttar Kannada in Karnataka is striving for exactly that.
Uttara Kannada, a picturesque district nestled in Karnataka is a region of immense tourist and ecological significance. This enchanting district boasts of a diverse landscape, featuring pristine beaches along the Arabian Sea, lush green Western Ghats forests, and meandering rivers. Its ecological importance cannot be overstated, as the Western Ghats within Uttara Kannada are a UNESCO World Heritage site, harboring rich biodiversity and critical ecosystems. Uttara Kannada stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of nature's beauty and cultural heritage, drawing tourists and researchers alike to its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant traditions.
Under the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2023 launched by the Centre, the proactive efforts of the Uttar Kannada District ULB officials in organizing a comprehensive cleanliness drive around ecological spots, beaches, mountains, and tourist places yielded desired results. Nearly 1000 citizen volunteers participated in the cleanliness and awareness drives. They are not only addressing the immediate need for cleanliness but also promoting a broader sense of responsibility towards the district's environment and natural beauty.Engaging local communities, retired teachers, advocates, and students from various backgrounds, such as Yuva Kendra and NCC, highlights the inclusivity and diversity of the initiative. This collective effort demonstrates that cleanliness is not the sole responsibility of any one group but a shared commitment by all stakeholders. Moreover, by bringing together individuals from different sectors as champions of cleanliness, the ULB is fostering a sense of pride and ownership among the people of the district.This was made possible by the tireless efforts of respective ULBs working under the ambit of Swachh Bharat Mission- Urban. To further galvanize a Jan Andolan for swachhata, there’s going to be a mega cleanliness drive held on 1st October 2023.
Therefore, on the 105th episode of Mann Ki Baat,Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for 1 hour of shramdaan for swachhata at 10 am on 1st October by all citizens collectively. He said This mega cleanliness drive calls upon citizens from all walks of life to join in actualcleaning activities at public places. It is noteworthy that the number of people joining the Swachhata Pakhwada has reached 9 crore already and counting.
RKJ/M
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Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Government incentivising rooftop solar systems connected to grid
Subsidy upto 40% of the benchmark cost provided for Rooftop Solar plants upto 3 kW capacity
20% subsidy provided for Rooftop Solar plants of capacity beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW
Online platform SPIN developed for expediting project approval, report submission and monitoring progress of implementation of RTS projects
To promote rooftop solar  in the country including in rural areas, the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy is implementing Rooftop Solar Programme Phase II wherein RTS capacity aggregating 4000 MW by 2022 is targeted for installation in residential sector with provision of subsidy. For individual households, subsidy upto 40% of the benchmark cost is provided for RTS plants upto 3 kW capacity and 20% for RTS plants of capacity beyond 3 kW and up to 10 kW. For Group Housing Societies/Residential Welfare Associations , the subsidy is limited to 20% of the benchmark cost for RTS plants of capacity up to 500 kW used for supply of power to common facilities.
The following major steps have been taken by the Government for overall promotion of Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Systems in the country:
- Launch of phase II of rooftop solar programme under with Central Financial Assistance  for residential sector and incentives in slabs for the Power Distribution Companies  for achievement of additional capacity over and above the installed capacity of the previous year.
- Earlier under Phase-I of the programme, CFA assistance for residential/ institutional/social sectors and achievement linked incentives for Government sectors was provided.
- Assistance to states in development/ integration of online portal and aggregation of demands relating to rooftop solar projects.
- Preparing of model MoU, PPA and Capex Agreement for expeditious implementation of RTS projects in Government Sector. Ministry-wise expert PSUs were identified for handholding and providing support for implementation of RTS projects in various Ministries/ Departments under erstwhile phase I of the programme.
- Advising States to notify the net/gross metering regulations for RTS projects. At present, all 36 States/UTs/SERCs have notified such regulations and/or tariff orders.
- SPIN-an online platform developed for expediting project approval, report submission and monitoring progress of implementation of RTS projects.
- Facilitation of concessional loans from World Bank and Asian Development Bank  through SBI and PNB respectively, for disbursal of loans to industrial and commercial sectors, where CFA/incentive is not being provided by the Ministry.
- Renewable energy included under priority sector lending
- Declaration of trajectory of renewable Purchase Obligation  upto year 2022
- Quality standards for deployment of solar photovoltaic system/ devises notified.
- Innovative Business models for rooftop solar shared with the States
- Information and public awareness activities through print and electronic media.
This information was given by Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy, Shri R.K. Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha yesterday.
PIB Headquarters
Inauguration of CSIR-NAL’s Skill Development Centre
Inauguration of CSIR-NAL’s Skill Development Centre
BANGALORE, June 1, 2019
Towards implementing the “Skill India” Mission of the Government of India, CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories has set up its Aerospace Skill Development Centre, under CSIR’s Integrated Skill Initiative Programme. This Centre will offer a number of skill development and skill upgradation courses in partnership with the Aviation and Aerospace Sector Skill Council  to the ITI and Diploma qualified youth, in addition to industry workers. The main aim of these courses is to create the high-quality, industry-ready skilled workforce relevant to current and emerging industry needs in the Aerospace Manufacturing, Assembly, Design & Development and Airlines Operations Sectors. This is achieved through training/re-skilling in areas catering to different National Skill Qualification Framework  levels.
The Centre is being inaugurated on 1stJune 2019 in the CSIR-NAL premises. Initially, the Centre will offer 5-6 job roles in the Aerospace Manufacturing and Design sub-sectors. The course duration ranges from 4 weeks to 4 months, with an anticipated intake of 150 trainees during the first year. CSIR-NAL’s initiative will give a big boost to the Skill Development Mission of the Government of India under NSDC.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
India’s Cumulative COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 158.88 Cr
More than 76 lakh Vaccine Doses administered in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 93.88%
2,82,970 New Cases reported in the last 24 hours
8,961 Total Omicron cases detected so far; an increase of 0.79% since yesterday
India's Active Caseload currently stands at 18,31,000
Weekly Positivity Rate is presently at 15.53%
With the administration of more than 76 lakh Doses  vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 158.88 Cr  as per provisional reports till 7 am today.
This has been achieved through 1,70,80,295 sessions. The break-up of the cumulative figure as per the provisional report till 7 am today include:
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Cumulative Vaccine Dose Coverage
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HCWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,03,90,731
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2nd Dose
|
|
97,91,120
|
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Precaution Dose
|
|
21,52,696
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FLWs
|
|
1st Dose
|
|
1,83,89,470
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2nd Dose
|
|
1,70,79,980
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Precaution Dose
|
|
18,65,300
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Age Group 15-18 years
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1st Dose
|
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3,73,04,693
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Age Group 18-44 years
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1st Dose
|
|
52,85,80,975
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2nd Dose
|
|
37,54,53,651
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Age Group 45-59 years
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1st Dose
|
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19,81,36,987
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2nd Dose
|
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16,28,20,687
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Over 60 years
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1st Dose
|
|
12,34,42,617
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2nd Dose
|
|
10,17,90,380
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Precaution Dose
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16,48,267
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Precaution Dose
|
|
56,66,263
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Total
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1,58,88,47,554
1,88,157 patients have recovered in the last 24 hours and the cumulative tally of recovered patients  is now at 3,55,83,039.
Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 93.88%.
2,82,970 new cases were reported in the last 24 hours.
India’s Active Caseload is presently at 18,31,000. Active cases constitute 4.83% of the country's total Positive Cases.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 18,69,642 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 70.74 Cr  cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate in the country currently stands at 15.53% and the Daily Positivity rate also reported to be 15.13%.
Cabinet
Cabinet gaveex-post facto approval for the proposal that has been approved under Rule 12 of the Government of India  Rules, 1961 with regard to removing difficulty arising in giving effect to the provisions of the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019 with regard to section 3 of the Act
On the recommendation of Parliament, the President issued a Declaration under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution and gave assent to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019. Accordingly, the former state of Jammu & Kashmir has been reorganized as the new Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the new Union Territory of Ladakh on 31st, October 2019.
The new Union Territory of Ladakh consists of two districts of Kargil and Leh. The restof the former State of Jammu and Kashmir is in the new Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
In 1947, the former State of Jammu and Kashmir had the following 14 districts - Kathua,Jammu, Udhampur, Reasi, Anantnag, Baramulla, Poonch, Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Lehand Ladakh, Gilgit, Gilgit Wazarat, Chilhas and Tribal Territory.
By 2019, various State governments of Jammu and Kashmir had reorganized the areas of these 14 districts into 28 districts. The names of the new districts are as follows - Kupwara, Bandipur, Ganderbal, Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama, Shupian, Kulgam, Rajouri, Ramban, Doda, Kishtivar, Samba and Kargil.
Out of these, Kargil district was carved out from the area of the then Leh and Ladakh district. Accordingly, the Leh district of the new Union Territory of Ladakh has been defined in the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization  Second Order, 2019, issued by the President of India, to include the areas of the districts of Gilgit, Gilgit Wazarat, Chilhas and Tribal Territory of 1947, in addition to the remaining areas of Leh and Ladakh districts of 1947, after carving out the Kargil District.